PRESTONSBURG - Author Gray P. West has captured the life and times of legendary Floyd County native King Kelly Coleman in the new book, entitled, “King Kelly Coleman...Kentucky's Greatest Basketball Legend.” The book was released Sunday afternoon during an event held at the Mountain Arts Center. Both West and Coleman were present for the book release.

Floyd County Judge Executive Paul Hunt Thompson read a proclamation proclaiming the upcoming week King Kelly Coleman Week. Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin proclaimed Sunday, Oct. 16 as King Kelly Coleman Day and presented the Floyd County legend with a Key to the City of Prestonsburg.

State Senator Johnny Ray Turner was another dignitary present and a part of the Coleman book release program. Turner, a former 15th Region basketball coach, thanked Coleman for his contributions to the sport of basketball.

“I want to thank you for the contributions you've made to 15th Region basketball, Eastern Kentucky basketball and basketball throughout the state,” Turner said, addressing Coleman.

Former Louisville Courier-Journal sportswriter Gordon Moore, the man responsible for giving Coleman his “King” moniker, also spoke during the program.

When West took his turn at the podium, he spoke of the contributions Coleman had made to the sport of basketball and conveyed the enjoyment he got from writing the book.

“King Kelly Coleman doesn't just belong to Eastern Kentucky - he belongs to the entire state of Kentucky,” West proclaimed. “He has a great following throughout the state.”

West said Coleman only had one stipulation when it came to the book.

“The one thing Kelly said to me was he didn't care what I wrote about him, but just write the truth,” West added.

Coleman, who fielded questions from fans and autographed copies of the book, expressed his gratitude several times during the program.

“I really appreciate everything,” Coleman said. “I hope everyone enjoys this book.”

Both Coleman and West obliged fans by signing copies of the book.

Also during the program Sunday, Gary Frazier made the special announcement of the creation of the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame. It was announced that the inaugural class would include only one individual - King Kelly Coleman, who on Sunday, also had his No. 66 jersey retired.

During an auction held for a basketball that included the signatures of Coleman and several other Eastern Kentucky basketball greats, including former Mr. Basketball J.R. Vanhoose and Hazard and University of Kentucky legend Johnny Cox, over $1,000 was raised when Willard Kinzer came forth with the winning bid.